Improving the trot work

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_jetset_

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In my lesson with Jo last week, she pointed out that Grace has extremely nice natural paces, but that I allow her to settle for an easy life. She said that I don't ask enough from her trot work because she has a lovely trot but it could be exceptional.

So, I now have my Carl Hester book in situ on improving the trot work (and all my homework from Jo) but was just wondering what other people do to improve their horse's paces???

Also, she said Grace comes off my leg quite well, but I nag too much so she is becoming less responsive. She wants her to jump out of her skin when I tap her with the whip, whereas at the moment she swishes her tail at me and does move off the leg but not quicky enough for Jo's liking... anyone else had 'nagginglegitis' and if so, how on earth did you solve it???
 
Hey, this was a bit of a problem for connie, she is responsize buit didnt come off my leg quick enough.

I need loads of transtions like walk to canter etc. And if she was to slow a tap on the bum and soon got the hang of it just needs reminding every now and them.

P.s i think you horse is lovely =]
 
I seem to be the same as you, Gin has a lovely trot and so I tend to let her get on with it. Im always getting told off for not asking for that bit extra. She had a couple of weeks of easy work while I was finding a saddle and now all she wants to do is slop about and lean. It really made me realise I need to work harder. This morning I got on and was determined to make her sit more behind and use herself.

Getting them to sit more behind and asking them for that little bit more energy is how the paces will improve. Ride loads of transitions especially within the paces and work on precision. Make sure you get the transition where you want it.
 
My horse is pretty bone idle by nature, and now he is like electric of the leg! The key to any part of training is consistency, the one leg aid, the second chance, and the smack. Every time. Transitions. lol.
Because my horse is big and idle (but i love him anyway!) he responds well to being worked in a way that i want an instant FORWARDS reaction - it doesn't matter if it's round (i don't keep hold of him) and too fast - as long as it's forwards, then i regroup and ask in the original way, but he's thinking really forward - from what i have gathered on other msg boards i believe this is known as 'spencering'. lol - well it works for us.
 
Thanks... Jo said I tickle with my whip too so she made me put my reins into my ourside hand and give her a good crack once or twice. I felt so mean to her and didn't really do it as hard as she wanted me to
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Last night she was being a complete prat so I did lots of transitions and felt she was just backing off the leg because she wanted to bounce about... I put my reins in my outside hand and gave her one almighty whack when she wouldn't come off my leg and she shot down the long side at top speed. After that she was very sharp off my leg so it does look as though she got the idea. I'll see whether it works tonight too...

It's hard when you're schooling on your own most days... I am sure that I would get out of the habit of nagging if I had a trainer there several times a week
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I just had a lesson on this this morning. My instructor got me to do the same thing that Jo did with you by the sounds of it. We did loads of transitions, especially halt to trot. Because Gin wasnt in front of my leg I was told to make her halt to canter to get a reaction then bring her down to trot as a reward. Sitting in a slightly different position also made a huge improvement. By the end of it she was going really well, if she goes like that at the regionals I will be so pleased with her.
 
What level are you doing at the Regionals? They are my aim for next year, but being stuck at 65% is just really starting to irritate me
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Im always getting told off for not asking for more aswell - il happily trot around whilst archie looks 'nice' but not bother to do anything with it!! Now ive been pushing myself lots at home and doing a lot of work sitting and really collecting him, then into medium, then back to collected to get him sat back and using himself and sharper off my leg aids. If he dosent respond first time to my leg he either gets a sharp wack or a jab from the spurs.

He soon picks it up and gets quicker off my aids. All horses will try it on and go around at 'their' pace if they can - its making them (and you) work out of the comfort zone and get the most out of the work.
 
Were doing the novice restricted. We half qualified for elementary but then kept coming 2nd and ran out of time, so going to try qualify for the winters instead.

Keep going, it will come when you least expect it.
 
Thanks nat1003... well done for qualifying for the regionals!

I think I need to be a bit tougher with her regarding the use of the whip... it is just so hard because I hate whacking her with it, she looks so upset
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But, needs must and if we want to get out of the 65% zone I guess I am going to have to get some thicker skin
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Did the reins in one hand and a whallop work for you nat1003? I was amazed at the fact I only needed to do it once and then every time my legs touched her she would immediately react after it.
 
actually i do have a vid of my first test from saturday - the battery ran out after that as i forgot to charge it!! Il have a look at it tonight if i can be bothered - im still knackered from the wkend and not feeling well either
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However il try and get something online
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Oh, and i couldnt video the lunging for you the other day as it was p*ssing with rain!! Il try and video me lunging him on sunday as thats his next 'lunging' day!
 
Thanks a lot P_G... I don't blame you for feeling shattered after the weekend
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Three tests to ride and warm up for, I think I would be on my knees
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Yes it did work but like you I dont like to smack her hard
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, I feel so guilty.
After I had done it the first time she went forward from my leg and I didnt really need it then until the canter transitions. My problem is she pulls me forward with the rein and pushes me forward with her hind legs
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I have to learn to sit up and keep my inside leg forward. Once I was doing that she couldnt drop behind my leg and had to use her hind legs.

Mares always seem to have an answer to get out of working properly
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